DIY Non Toxic Mosquito Repellent

With all the recent floods, mosquitoes are on the rise. I myself have a strictly “hate” relationship with the pesky little things ( they have anger issues ) If you want to make your very own mosquito repellent that is non toxic try the following.

* 10-25 drops (total) of essential oils

* 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil ( almond, apricot kernel, olive, sunflower or any other cooking oil ) or alcohol ( such as high quality vodka )

any mixture of the following essential oils: basil, catnip, cedarwood, citronella, juniper, lemon, lemongrass, myrrh, palmarosa, pine, rose geranium, rosemary & cinnamon will repel mosquitoes.

Be sure to shake well before each use .

Check your DIY mosquito repellent on a small area to check for allergic reactions before using it over large areas of your body.

Some essential oils may have disagreeable odors, especially when mixed together, so consider adding peppermint oil to your repellent to cover any unpleasant fragrances.

You’ll need to re-apply the natural product after about an hour or after swimming or exercise. Unused natural insect repellent may be stored in a dark glass bottle away from heat or sunlight.

Try this citronella soap recipe for added protection.

And if you’ve already been bit you can stick a small strip of regular Scotch tape over the bite – the adhesive will draw out the irritating liquid and help to relieve the itching.

Lavender, Peppermint and Tea Tree Essential Oil will relieve Mosquito bites Lavender & Tea Tree are safe to apply directly to the skin

With the arrival of the Japanese Encephalitis Mosquito, it has become important to make sure those pesky mosquitos are not snacking on you. Japanese encephalitis symptoms include Headache, neck pain, and Nausea. . Japanese encephalitis does have a vaccine and you should contact your local medical professional for information on obtaining this vaccination.

But how else can you protect yourself against mosquitos? Keep mosquitoes away from exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks, you can even wear a mosquito net hat. Tuck shirts into pants and pants into socks to cover gaps in your clothing where mosquitoes can get to your skin. For a natural repellent use essential oils for making your own Mosquito bug spray repellent. Add oils to water and spray into the air or add small drops to your clothing. Use a Necklace or Bracelet oil diffuser to help repel mosquitoes naturally. Insect bracelets and necklaces are great for children too.

There’s always one cheeky elf who pushes things a little too far—and this time? He’s covered in Grinch Gunk! This fun, fizzy Grinch Gunk Bath Slime is a gooey, giggle-worthy bath treat that looks mischievous but is totally skin-safe. It’s squishy, jiggly, and dissolves into the bath for a silly Christmas soak your kids won’t forget.

Whether you’re staging your Elf on the Shelf’s latest misadventure or putting together a “Grinch Spa Kit” for holiday gifting, this bath-safe slime is part sensory play, part bath magic.

Why You’ll Love This Grinchy Goo

Safe and fun for kids
No harsh ingredients—just skin-loving gentle goo
Doubles as sensory play before bath time
Can be poured into the bath like a bath gel
Perfect for Elf on the Shelf setups or DIY stocking stuffers
Customisable with scent, shimmer, and fun containers

Ingredients – Guar Gum Gel Version (Skin-Safe, Natural)

Makes about 1 cup of Grinch Gunk

1 cup warm distilled water
1 tsp guar gum powder (natural thickener)
1 tbsp glycerin or aloe vera gel (skin soothing + slip)
5–10 drops peppermint essential oil (or vanilla-mint blend)
Green mica powder or food-safe soap colorant
1 tsp baking soda (optional, helps soothe skin)
Small jar or squishy tub container

Optional:

A pinch of eco-safe glitter
Mini plastic Grinch or Elf toy
Printable “Help! The Grinch Got Me!” tag

Melt-and-Pour Version (For Squishy Soap-Like Texture)

½ cup clear melt-and-pour soap base, chopped
1 tbsp vegetable glycerin
Green soap colorant or mica
5 drops peppermint essential oil
Heat-safe jar or silicone mold

How to Make – Guar Gum Version

In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and glycerin.
Slowly sprinkle in the guar gum powder, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
Add baking soda, essential oils, and green mica. Whisk again until smooth and gooey.
Add glitter or shimmer if using. Pour into small jars.
Let sit uncovered for 10–15 minutes before sealing.

How to Make – Melt & Pour Version

Gently melt soap base in microwave or double boiler until fully liquid.
Stir in glycerin, mica, and essential oils.
Pour into jar or mold and allow to cool and firm up. The result: a jiggly, jello-like slab of bath slime!

How to Use Grinch Bath Slime

Scoop a tablespoon or two into the tub as the water runs
Rub between hands for silly slime play before rinsing
Watch it dissolve into a silky, minty soak
Store leftovers sealed, out of sunlight, for 1–2 weeks (guar gum version)

Note: As with all kids’ bath products, adult supervision is recommended. Avoid eyes and mouth.

Elf on the Shelf Setup

Here’s how to make your elf’s Grinch-y mischief come to life:

Place your Elf in a clear jar of green slime
Add a sign that says:
“HELP! The Grinch Got Me!”
Scatter a few green drops or slime trails around the counter
Leave behind a note that says:
“I tried to sneak a treat, but the Grinch left me stuck in goo! Scoop some into your bath—if you dare!”

Gifting Tips

Grinch Gunk makes an adorable DIY gift for:

Christmas Eve boxes
Classmate gifts
Stocking stuffers
Holiday bath kits
Grinch movie night party favours

Packaging ideas:

Green slime in mini jam jars
Labelled with: “Grinch Gunk – For When You’ve Been a Little Naughty”
Tie with black ribbon or pipe cleaner “antlers”
Pair with a mini candy cane or elf sticker

This Grinch Gunk Bath Slime brings just the right amount of holiday chaos to bath time. It’s festive, fun, and full of sensory magic—and the perfect way to turn a simple soak into a giggly, sparkly memory.

Comments

BARB says
January 17, 2011 at 6:35 am
I will try this next summer. Nothing seemed to work then. Thank you.
kc says
January 25, 2011 at 6:45 am
I always used Eucalyptus Oil. It is a natural repellent. Mixed with Lemon and or citronella offers great protection ( even used alone) in a carrier oil of course.